Of all the skin conditions you may encounter as a skincare specialist, acne is likely the most common. Acne is a condition that affects more than 5 million Canadians. That’s a fairly large portion of the population that may require professional help to overcome their condition! Although 80% of acne sufferers are between the ages of 12 and 24, acne can affect anyone from newborn babies to the elderly.
According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, having acne can affect more than just your skin. Acne sufferers often experience feelings of embarrassment, depression and frustration. Once just thought of as a “rite of passage”, many acne sufferers have either just “lived” with the condition or attacked it with every product on the drug store shelf, most of which dry out the skin and cause an increase in oil production which can aggravate the condition further.
As skincare specialists it’s our job to educate our acne clients on how to properly care for their skin to heal acne breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. We can also jumpstart their progress with acne treatment facials to help release congestion and improve the flow of sebum.
Pimples, papules, pustules, blackheads and whiteheads are caused when dead skin cells and sebum (oil) collect in pores. These clogged pores combined with an aggressive bacteria called Propionibaterium Acnes, also known as “P. acne bacteria” can cause the inflammation and infection associated with pimples. Over production of sebum by hyperactive sebaceous glands (a common condition known as Seborrhea or simply Oily Skin) can feed the P. acne bacteria and cause it to grow and multiply.
The good news is acne is very treatable with the right products!
There are 4 classes of acne from mild with only occasional break outs, to severe cystic acne. Treatment for mild to moderate acne is quite similar and good results can be expected to be seen within 3-4 weeks.
*Although a good skincare routine can help all types of acne it is recommended that sufferers of severe pustular or cystic acne see a doctor for treatment.*
Begin with a series of decongesting facials. We recommend having Raspberry Enzyme Exfoliant, Alpha-Beta Blend and Pumpkin and Papaya Masque in your professional acne fighting toolkit. Choose your exfoliant based on your clients particular needs, skin type and skin sensitivity.
More than any other skin condition, it is extremely important that your clients are using the right skincare products at home to help overcome their acne!
Derma MD’s Clear-ifying Wasabi Acne Treatment System will help heal the skin with:
- Encapsulated Salicylic Acid for time released exfoliating within the pore
- Niacinamide to reduce inflammation and bacteria count as well as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Wasabi Extract to control the P. Acne bacteria
- Hydrating ingredients such as Algae Extract to prevent dehydration
Derma MD’s Clear-ifying Wasabi Treatment System consists of:
- Clear-ifying Wasabi Cleanser
- Clear-ifying Wasabi Refining Toner
- Clear-ifying Wasabi Resurfacing Gel
- D-Zit Zapper
- Clear-ifying Wasabi Resurfacing Pads
For very mild acne adding the Refining Toner to your client’s regular skincare routine may be all they need.
For mild to moderate acne using the cleanser, toner and resurfacing gel will help get their acne under control and prevent new pimples from forming.
For more severe or cystic acne, the entire system can be combined with prescription treatment if approved by their doctor.
For body acne Clear-ifying Wasabi Resurfacing Pads are a great choice as they are easy to use and require no rinsing.
D-Zit Zapper is a wonderful product for spot treatment or for those who only get occasional pimples.
Combining the right home care with a series of acne facials can create changes in your clients skin that will have them coming back for more!